Action: San Jose State wins Military Bowl, finishes 11-2.Reaction I: Unreal.Reaction II: Even the most optimistic projections had the Spartans winning nine games (eight reg season + bowl). Not only did they win 11, they won 11 by beating BYU and LaTech and by thumping the teams they were supposed to thump. This wasn’t about a series of fortunate bounces producing an inflated record; the Spartans were as good as the record indicates. They only had one bad game (Utah State) and had a shot at Stanford.Reaction III: UN-real.Reaction IV: Watching the Military Bowl, I couldn’t help but think that the four people most responsible for the Spartans’ remarkable turnaround were also watching from afar. Those four are, in order: 1. Don Kassing, 2. Tom Bowen, 3. Mike MacIntyre and 4. Dick Tomey. Without all the work that went into repairing the budget and academic problems from 2007-10, SJSU football would never have qualified for a bowl game because there would be no SJSU football.

Action: Cal hires Andy Buh as defensive coordinator.Reaction I: A critical decision for new coach Sonny Dykes. His Louisiana Tech defense couldn’t stop anyone — last in yards allowed (526/game); 117th in points allowed (38.5) — and now he’ll face some of the most innovative offenses in the country.Reaction II: Buh is a disciple of former Cal defensive mastermind Lyle Setencich and well regarded by Nevada’s Chris Ault, one of the top football minds in the west. But let’s not overlook the fact that Buh used to be Stanford’s co-defensive coordinator — and was fired after the 2009 season. Officially, he left the Cardinal to take a position at Nevada, his alma mater. But in reality, Buh was stripped of his playcalling duties early in the ’09 season and then informed by Jim Harbaugh that he needed to find work elsewhere.Reaction III: I’ve asked a handful of contacts within the Pac-12 coaching ranks about Buh, and the consensus is that he’s a solid, if unspectacular choice for the Bears. He won’t dazzle; he won’t make Cal demonstrably better than the talent at his disposal. But as long as the Bears recruit quality players, he’ll churn out a quality defense.

Action: Stanford coach David Shaw agrees to what the school calls a “long-term” contract extension.Reaction I: Stanford has never released salary figures and, as a private school, is not subject to an open-records request. But it has always announced the length of contracts for its football coaches — it even announced the length of Shaw’s original deal (four years).Reaction II: Why the change in policy? I can only guess it’s because the new agreement is unusual. If it’s not technically a lifetime deal — I’m not sure lifetime deals are even legal in California — then it’s something just short of that: a 10- or 15- or 20-year deal with a rollover clause. The only way Stanford would take a markedly different approach to the announcement is if there’s something markedly different about the duration.Reaction III: In terms of salary, I have to imagine Shaw is in the $2 – $2.5 million/yr range, which, if accurate, would put him behind Chip Kelly ($3.5 million and worth every penny) but somewhere on the next tier, along with Sarkisian and Kiffin. Based on performance, Shaw deserves to be paid $3+ million/yr. But it’s hard to believe that Stanford would go that high on a long-term basis, and Shaw knows that better than anyone.

Action: Colorado hires Mike MacIntyre.Reaction I: One point that I failed to mention when MacIntyre accepted the job — and a topic that will resonate with frustrated CU fans — is what I consider to be his greatest strength: Talent evaluation. MacIntyre hired a collection of assistants at SJSU that was as strong as any staff in the WAC or MWC (a few are joining him in Boulder). His ability to spot talent, a skill honed during his years working for Bill Parcells, is no less impressive.Reaction II: Colorado fans should expect MacIntyre to sign a bevy of big-framed, versatile athletes and worry about their position down the road. Many will end up at linebacker or tight end, but a few could grow into tackles. He believes a lean 250-pound prospect with the potential to add 30 or 40 pounds has far more long-term value than a 300-pounder with substantial body fat. The best example on SJSU’s roster is Travis Raciti, who was signed as a 255-pound TE/OLB/DE and grew into a 285-pound tackle good enough to start for many teams in the Pac-12 (and eventually play in the NFL). It will take a few years, obviously, but MacIntyre will eventually transform the CU roster into a more talented, and far more versatile, group.

Action: SJSU coach Ron Caragher begins putting together his coaching staff.Reaction I: Just as MacIntyre’s assistants were essential to SJSU’s rise from the ashes, so will Caragher’s staff be vital to maintaining that success. Caragher has smartly chosen to retain two coaches with strong Northern California recruiting ties (Terry Malley and Fred Guidici), but the Spartans will have a handful of new assistants and two new coordinators. The choice to run the offense reportedly is Jimmie Dougherty, who worked with Caragher at San Diego and, most recently, as been Washington’s receivers coach/passing game coordinator. Caragher’s pick to oversee the defense is not yet public (and may not have been made).Reaction II: SJSU fans should pay close attention to the choice for strength/conditioning coach, in particular: Will Caragher retain Dave Forman, who was hired by MacIntyre two years ago and, to my way of thinking, played an invaluable role in the Spartans’ turnaround. If Forman follows MacIntyre to Colorado, it would be a significant blow to SJSU’s momentum. Caragher should do whatever it takes to keep him.

Action: UCLA lays a giant, stinkin’ egg in Holiday Bowl, loses 149-26.Reaction I: The score was actually 49-26 … except it was actually 49-19 — the Bruins were awarded a last-play touchdown that shouldn’t have counted.Reaction II: One of the worst performances by a Pac-12 team that I can remember, especially given that UCLA did not experience a pre-bowl coaching change or any significant, chemistry-altering events.Reaction III: The Bruins went 1 of 17 on third down, which is a strong contender for stunning stat o’ the year. I mean, Baylor was only ranked 120th (last) in the country in third-down conversion defense, 119th in total defense and 115th in scoring defense.Reaction IV: End result: What had been a breakthrough, We’re back! season under Jim Mora gets severely downgraded after three-consecutive losses. It’s not Same old Bruins!, but you can see it from here.Reaction V: UCLA 97, Missouri 94: All is right in Westwood.

Boise is back in the MW. The Big East is on life support, after 2013 the plug will be pulled and there will be only 5 power conferences left. Going into the playoff era you can count on the Big 5 to do some more raiding to reach 16 members each. Spartans Football 2013: Beat Boise, Fresno, Utah St. VEGAS or Bust Baby!!!

DUsjsu

So happy about BSU, when SJSU beats them next year it will be legit! Go MWC, go Spartans!

Spartan Pubber

Pay no attention Cheeseman, Jill is nothing but Milo in drag. In 2012 everything has fallen into place for our Spartans. With today’s return of Boise State the value of our new conference’s TV rights has jumped upward. Look for the Spartans to take a tough MWC title in 2013. A BCS bowl game is not out of the question.

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

YES a BCS bowl game is definitely in the cards for fall of 2012 for SJSU and also MWC title. Very exciting fall for SJSU Spartans in 2013. I can hardly wait. Great to be a SJSU Spartan!!! Never thought we would go 11 – 2. Hope we get a great Defensive Coordinator. Still hoping that Coach Baer will stay. Happy New Year Spartans!!!

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

Opps!! Should have said fall of 2013. Sorry!! Too much New Year!!!

SF

OT
We all respect your interest for the Big East, but that conference is done.
As I posted at other times, but will repeat.
The Big East was on shaky ground the day Miami left in 2004 and was finished earlier this month when the basketball schools decided to leave as a group.
The Big East is done, over, not to be heard from again. Good Bye.

JT

I hear that the spread offense will be gone and replaced with the pro set two back offense. If this is true we had better get larger backs and tight ends. recruiting offensive lineman should be priority. Can someone check this out and get back.

Broncoboss

OT,
Once again you show your stupidity and lack of knowledge..You proudly proclaimed Boise State was going to the Big East next year and it’s final..Wrong! You continue to spew a bunch of BS!..Your posts demonstrate that you are a big blow-heart with no credibility..I will say that your posts are humerous as long as the reader realizes that you know nothing about everything….Go Broncos!

One set of rules for the Smurfs, another set of rules for everyone else.

Does San Diego State really want to rejoin the Mountain Weak as a 2nd class citizen?

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

OT – All MWC conference members by the return on Boise State. SJSU certainly benefits as we play a tough opponent and have the chance to be a BCS buster.

ccrider55

OT:

You are right that it is Bevoesque, but like the B12 it is the same set of rules for all. It’s just that the rules favor the current powers and those who will get on TV more often (P10/12′s until recently ended unbalanced revenue sharing anyone?). B12 changed (but still allow for huge disparity through tier 3 and school networks) because UT’s desire for its personal conference now outweighed its destructive desire to maintain revenue advantage in all areas (based on appearances). Those who have no options in both B12 and MWC do what is necessary to survive. Were TCU, BYU, Utah in the MWC no one would look at this as strictly a Boise bonus, just an antiquated revenue system that was necessary to re-attract a marketable commodity.

MostWanted

Hey Stanford,

San Jose will pay you 250k to move the Bill Walsh Legacy game to Spartan Stadium.

What say ye?

Jill

SJSU will lose to Boise in 2013.

The Coaching change derails momentum.
SJSU just a stepping stone stop and now we get to start over yet again.

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

Jill not so sure we will lose to Boise State. We have a lot of great people returning on offense (Fales and great recievers) and on defense plus some great redshirts. It will be a banner year. With the North End Zone project we may be less of a stepping stone. Also the MWC with Boise State returning and the possibility of two divisions if Houston and SMU enter the scene will make a much stronger conference. Go SPARTANS!!!

True Spartan AKA True Trojan

I agree with Mr. Cheeseman, the Bronco State Mares are no match for SJSU!

GO SPARTANS!

Dale Grogan

With the retention of Coach Malley, San Jose State will remain strong in our recruiting base of California. The Bowl Win and end of season top 25 ranking will provide additional momentum for our program.

When Boise St. made the wise move to stay in the MWC, our program could potentially receive additional revenue on top of the renegotiated CBS TV Deal…for instance, the bonus written into the enhanced TV package negotiated because of the Boise St. decision would have netted our program $1 million for our nationally televised games against BYU and La Tech.

The Trolls…and, we know who they are…reveal their ignorance of the great potential of San Jose State every time they post something ignorant.

This is one San Jose State Alumni who will be stepping up to support Spartan Athletics by joining the Spartan Foundation. What are you prepared to do?

Broncoboss

DougC
Of course SJSU will lose to Boise State in 2013! Some things just don’t change..Next you’ll be saying the Spartans could beat Alabama & contend for a SEC Championship.. Good year for spartans but stay in the realm of reality..Maybe “Mr. Know it all” OT can tell you what’s going to happen next year.. He’s a real joke!

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

Broncoboss – I believe it will be a good game between Boise State and SJSU Spartans. Good Challenge for both teams. Happy New Year! Glad the MWC is strengthened by Boise State Returning and the addition of Utah State and SJSU. Hope for two divisions with the possible addition of Houston and SMU!

The Mountain Weak will allow San Diego State until January 31 to decide whether it wants to crawl back to the Mountain Weak before the Mountain Weak can offer membership to another school.

–

I am NOT convinced yet that San Diego State will crawl back to the Mountain Weak. Being in a football league with Houston, Central Florida, and South Florida might be viewed as a better option.

Broncoboss

DougC
Good post! I do believe if SJSU would have played Boise State this year it would have been a competitive game…Mt. West should be very competitive next year..We welcome SJSU into the prestigeous Mt. West Conference…Happy New Year to you!

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

OT – Wow you still continue with Mt . Weak. What do you call the Big East! Big East Strong!! Wow you are interesting! Cheers and enjoy!

OT

The Mountain Weak sold their souls in order to lure back Bevo errrr Noisy errrr Boise State.

A handful of Mountain Weak schools allegedly want to sell San Diego State to take a hike, presumable so that they can sell their souls further in order to make an offer to BYU, if you believe the contents of an ESPN blog entry that was quickly erased within 1 hour.

If anything, I would not be surprised if San Diego State were to stay in the Big East and possibly bring Fresno along for the ride as well, just to get away from the Mountain Time Zone schools.

ccrider55

OT:

Boise looking out for SDSU (probably repaying their help in getting the non FB sports in alternative conference when BE bound. BSU’s return to MWC contingent on inviting them back. Just another reason why SDSU doesn’t need to say anything until they make a choice.

Let’s see what San Diego State does. The “Big East” wants to keep San Diego State, and many San Diego State alums no longer wants to be a in league with the Mountain Time Zone schools.

Jill

Any realistic SJSU fan knows that with Mac leaving we are in for yet another rebuild.

We won bowls in 1990, 2006, and 2012.
With a whole new staff dont look for another bowl in 2013.

Just not realistic.

Cheeseman is just an old duffer and over zealous booster.

Ranger John

JT, I hope your wrong about the Stanford pro style offense working at SJS…do you remember beating Stanford with the likes of Gerald (Denver Bronco) Whilite, a slot receiver track star in a football uniform…he was the answer on 3rd and 5.

The fast pace, hurry up, keep the defense on the field, has shown to be successful. A second, and great bi-product of it is that, the more you work on it in game experience, the more efficient it becomes…hey just look at Louisville vs The Gators tonight.

Florida did not practice a “hurry up” and when your behind late you must be able to get plays off in a hurry…or waist the clock away. Thus if it is practiced in game conditions, certain situations (like before the half) or just when you see a defense starting to tire….IT WORKS. it is the future for the small schools that can not recruit the blue chip players and don’t have the depth BIG schools have.

http://www.cheesemans.com Doug Cheeseman

Jill – Guess the SJSU Spartans in 2013 will have to prove you wrong in getting to a bowl and possibly breaking into a BCS bowl. Thank you about the duffer!!!

True Spartan AKA True Trojan

@ BroncoBoss,
Just one question — do the BSU Mares have a reliable field goal kicker on their roster?

I know you still remember Kyle Brotzman. We can refer to your kicking game as the Broncos’ kicker curse.

I can tell you with certainty that we have a very good one in Austin Lopez.

GO SPARTANS!

DUsjsu

Lopez was just signed by the 49ers…. Oh wait that was a dream I had…. too good to be true.

Ranger John

And that makes SEVEN, counting the “strength and conditioning” coach, that Coach MacINtyre has enlisted to help him give rebirth to the Colorado Buffs football program.

Looks like the bowl winner holdovers will have to teach the underclassmen how to do the extended workouts….

PAC-12 money talking louder these days as each team gets a FREE MILLION from the two BCS teams (Oregon/Stanford)…

I foresee SEC talent moving west…where the money is!

Jill

SJSU staff now gutted.

Ranger John

Aw Jill or Milo or OT, whoever you are:

SJSU will do just fine next year. A base has been presented to the new coach. He sees HOW success was achieved. You have heard of the phrase: “Don’t mess with success”………well, as a coach, (and I am one) your always looking to improve, tweek, change.

I think the two, yes TWO COACHES retained (held onto), are very important to the new regime…they know it, the coaches know it, and even the REAL fans know it.

Lets give the staff time to continue this GREAT recruiting until letter of intent day. Spring ball is just around the corner and I am excited about the SPRING GAME.